Hello Donna4700 and welcome to cruise-chat; the fare for the third and fourth person in a cabin is less, sometimes up to 50% less than the fare for the first two in a cabin. It matters not whether they are children or adults.

children also have to pay tips ....now what 6 year old child has a job and can pay a let's say $60 tip for a 6 day cruise, I could see maybe 1/4 of that because they are being fed and maybe cleaned up after I don't know I think children should have a lower rate when it comes to these things.

I respectfully disagree, Spritfilled. We've taken our son on cruises every year for 12 years (he's 13 now), and kids are extra work for the crew. For example, our cabin steward would have another bed to service, often one that was stowed away in the wall during the day and opened at night. The dining room crew still served his meals, modifying their schedules as the timing of kids' meals is not necessarily the same as that of the adults. Plus, the child is occupying a seat in the dining room that might otherwise go to an adult. In fact, we usually tipped more for our son.

Some lines (NCL is one) suggest tipping 1/2 of the regular rate for kids under age 12.

Originally posted by LisaP:
I respectfully disagree, Spritfilled. We've taken our son on cruises every year for 12 years (he's 13 now), and kids are extra work for the crew. For example, our cabin steward would have another bed to service, often one that was stowed away in the wall during the day and opened at night. The dining room crew still served his meals, modifying their schedules as the timing of kids' meals is not necessarily the same as that of the adults. Plus, the child is occupying a seat in the dining room that might otherwise go to an adult. In fact, we usually tipped more for our son.

Some lines (NCL is one) suggest tipping 1/2 of the regular rate for kids under age 12.

I have to agree with you Lisa. Especially if a baby bed is required, like we saw on the Fantasy last week. I was surprised it was not just a Pac N Go but a real metal baby bed that the cabin steward put together and then broke down at the end of the cruise. (we saw it out in the hallway)

We have been cruising with the boys since they were 5 and 8 and we have always paid full tips (and extra to the cabin steward and cocktail waitress that brought them their cokes on the their soda cards to the table every night)

One thing to consider before thinking the cruiselines are taking advantage of families is capacity. Coast Guard regulations have a capacity on each ship. Every child onboard, if substantially discounted is one less adult at a higher fare. Purely from a business perspective that would mean either less revenue per sailing or higher adult rates to make up that revenue. Also adults typically buy a few drinks, many spend a few sheckles in the casino and other areas that help with revenue and as a result keep overall fares low. Some lines are very children friendly with most programs and policies, some are not. One tip, if you're planning a trip and will need cabins for more than double occupancy plan and book very early if posible. The earlier you book, generally the lower 3rd and 4th passenger rates will be. Especially if planning for peak periods (anytime kids are out of school). Everything in the industry is based on availability. As it shrink the price climbs. During paek periods availability on tripl and quad cabins goes quickly.

Ok ok I get it I never said that I wouldn't pay the tips I just thought it was a bit much for a child but I do see you alls point I guess I feel that way because I don't have a small child my son will be traveling with us this time but he is 24 years old he can pay his own tips.